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    • Oct 8, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bear Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 161)

      Bear Creek sits off the western flanks of the AICW, just south of Gale Creek. I have never recommended this stream as an anchorage, and have chosen not to include it in the “North Carolina Anchorage Directory” as it has an unmarked, twisting entrance channel, flanked by shoals. As you will read below, Captain Watson used a GPS chartplotter to skirt past the aforementioned shallows, and he has certainly proved it is possible to do that. It’s up to each individual captain to decide if they should follow the same procedure, or just avoid this potential anchorage entirely.

      Subject: Bear Creek Anchorage
      Cruising News: Went into Bear Creek (just south of the Hoboken Cut off Back River)for the first time. Unmarked channel, used the chart plotter and had at least 7 ft back to the end of the charted 7 ft tongue. Good holding (CQR) Would be a very good anchorage for protection from N winds. Watch the entrance, some big shoals on both sides, channel [is] “S” shaped.
      Bill Watson

      Mile 160.8 – Bear Creek. Time for me being of the essence, I endured very rough weather crossing the Pamlico River and had one hell of a time finding the Goose Creek markers. But eventually no problems mooring overnight in Bear Creek – if you take care to slowly follow the channel and don’t stray into the shoals all around.
      Arnold

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    • Sep 30, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Monday Night Dining In Belhaven Looks Up (Statute Mile 135.5)

      Glad to know there is now someplace to get a shoreside meal in beautiful Belhaven on Monday nights! Sounds like this place is an easy step from our good friends Brenda and Les at Belhaven Waterway Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR)!

      Subject: Belhaven Restaurants
      Cruising News: In the the past years if you visited Belhaven on a Monday night you would find all the restaurants closed but that has changed. Located on Pamlico street just two blocks from the waterfront is Georgie’s Sport & Oyster Bar which is now going to be open on Monday nights. If you enjoy fresh seafood this is perfect stop for southbound cruisers.
      Les Porter

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina

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    • Sep 28, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Oriental Marina and Toucan Restaurant (Neuse River, Statute Mile 181)

      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NC I heartily agree with Captain John’s remarks below. Whenever we visit Oriental, we always stay at Oriental Marina (just behind Toucans Restaurant). This is a great spot, and these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      The Oriental Marina is in downtown Oriental, has twelve slips, and is much more protected than other marinas in the area. It has a full service hotel, a restaurant, and exceptionally clean showers. Once there, most all of Oriental’s shopping and eating facilities are within a short walking distance.
      John M

      We do very few marinas, but we love this one. Great showers, friendly staff, and good on-site restaurant. A bunch of us were stuck there for three days because of the weather and the dockmaster drove us to the grocery and a fresh produce market. We have also gotten rides back from the grocery folks after walking the mile to get there. A good chandlery-hardware store-gift shop a half block away and lots of good restaurants. Not to be missed!
      Allen

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Doug Sligh -  October 12, 2009 - 5:11 pm

        The recession has put some businesses in Oriental at risk and they need cruisers to stop in for an overnight visit. Please do. The restaurants are all open and the food is still as good as ever. Inland Waterway was giving deals on marine supplies this week. There are two dinghy docks, one on each side of the bridge.
        We are departing from Oriental on Calculation bound for the Bahamas in a few weeks.
        Doug Sleigh

        Reply to Doug
    • Sep 28, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bridge Pointe Marina (New Bern, NC, Trent River)

      Galley Stores, on the Trent River in New BernBridge Pointe Marina (formerly the Ramada Marina), sits on the opposite shore of the Trent River from the New Bern Grand Marina. If you do berth at Bridge Pointe, and wish to visit downtown New Bern, and it’s many dining plus historical attractions, you will need to dinghy across Trent River. The old swing bridge is still under reconstruction.
      Also, don’t forget Galley Stores Marina, located on the Neuse River side of New Bern. This is the city’s newest marina, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Most vessels that are slipped here [Bridge Pointe Marina] are on six month contract, with some month to month, and some on shorter term transient daily/weekly. Many of the shorter term are boats from homeports further north that flock to the vicinity of 35 N to stage/ wait out the end of hurricane peak activity. The Sheraton Grand across the river sponsors a Bahamas Bound weekend seminar in October and many transients fill up the immediate area, including anchoring on the Trent just upriver from the railroad bridge, dinghying in to the seminar. The Outback Steakhouse is located about 350 yards from the marina and many local boaters will tie up on the long face of `C’ dock (next to the Trent River Bridge, currently being rebuilt) for dinner at the resteraunt.
      Steve

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

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    • Sep 19, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Why You Should Visit Elizabeth City, NC (Dismal Swamp Route. St. M. 50.5)

      Click to learn more about our Carolina Loop program The excellent report below from Captains Sonny and Nancy is NOT a surprise to this writer. Seldom will cruisers ever find a more welcoming port of call than Elizabeth City. And, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Hello, Mr. Young,
      My wife and I recently cruised up to Virginia from Florida. Our route north included taking the Virginia cut in lieu of the Dismal Swamp Canal route. On our return, however, some fellow cruisers told us it would behoove us to take the Dismal Swamp and make a stop in Elizabeth City, NC. They said the city is boater friendly and we should have an enjoyable visit.
      We followed their advice and took the Dismal Swamp route, arriving in Elizabeth City on Monday night, September 14th. We met two other cruisers at the Visitors Center on the Dismal Swamp canal and arrived with them at Elizabeth City simultaneously. We checked in with the tourism center and were given a rousing welcome. They catered to our every need, including offers for rides to grocery stores. laundromats, to purchase ice and pretty much anything else we needed. The dockage was COMPLIMENTARY and they also provided Wi Fi computer service. Later in the day, a representative came by each boat and advised that they were hosting a wine and cheese reception for the visiting boaters. We decided to attend and were greeted by a member of the “Rosebuddies”. This is a group that was started many years ago for the purpose of making cruising boaters feel welcome in Elizabeth City. Part of the reception was giving a rose to each female member of a boating party. In addition, the Mayor of the city was in attendance at the reception and made it a point to greet each boat owner and their respective families personally. I don’t believe I have ever visited another town anywhere in the United States in a boat and had the mayor come out and greet us. Mayor Steven Atkinson told us about the many services and programs that are available to us cruisers as well as their many attractions, especially the Albemarle Museum. Lastly, the rosebuddy who spoke to us advised us on additional areas of interest to boaters together with local knowledge of the water which enabled some of us to shorten travel time and several miles on our way south after leaving Elizabeth City.
      I have to say that as one who has been cruising for over twenty years, never have we been received so warmly as we were in this small town waterfront town in North Carolina. They are currently promoting “The Carolina Loop” for people in North Carolina, Virginia, and other areas. They have a brochure on their website that provides a detailed explanation of the trip.
      I am sure you have probably been made aware of this city, however, I felt I would be remiss in my duty as a fellow cruiser if I did not tell you what a great time we had on our visit. My wife Nancy and I would highly recommend spending time there. Also, we wish to congratulate Elizabeth City Tourism on the splendid job they did making all of us cruisers feel welcome. We will visit this charming city again.
      Arlington(Sonny) and Nancy Lambert
      S/V Sonrae 79 CSY 33 Hull #10
      Fleming Island, FL

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Elizabeth City’s Mariner’s Wharf Docks

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Marina

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    • Sep 19, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      New Bern, NC Cruising Tips

      Their is a wealth of useful cruising news and tips in Captain message below, all centered on the Neuse River city of New Bern, North Carolina. If you plan an upcoming visit to New Bern, and you should, don’t dare miss this posting!

      We lived in the condos that overlook the [New Bern Grand] marina for eight months in 2009 while our boat was being renovated.
      For a great walk, turn right at the end of the docks toward the new bridge. The sidewalk takes you around the convention center where you turn right into a waterfront park. Staying close to the water takes you into an eight square block historical residential area that includes the local library and a solid magazine collection.
      There are two great, local coffee shops. One is three blocks away on Middle Street, which dead ends into the marina and one two blocks away on Craven, which also dead ends into the marina. Two restaurants we liked are Captain Ratty’s, one block away on Middle and the Chelsea, three blocks away at Middle and Broad.
      The big box stores, such as Walmart and Lowes, as well as the West Marine store and Harris Teeter, are about a ten minute car trip in the same direction.
      If you need a Captain to move your boat or for a day’s instruction, I highly recommend John Watson who lives a block away and has a boat in the marina (252-626-2280).
      If you need boat repair of any kind, the guy to call is Danny Swindell. He works at Hatteras and, if he can’t help you, he knows everyone who is good in the area who can. (252-229-4806)
      I believe the best boat painter on the east coast is Bruce Mallard who lives in the area and can be reached at 252-670-8255.
      If I had been staying in the part of the marina that is directly off of the deck of the hotel, I would not have been a fan of the music that plays each weekend night during the summer until 10 p.m.. It is loud and the crowd can be noisy.
      Larry Hall

      For excellent, one call repair on all your systems I recommend calling Forrest Jastram. He has a lot of experience, has spent years cruising FL and the Bahamas,and if you are anchored out he will come out to your boat. Call 252-876-3838
      Sue Rogers

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Galley Stores Marina

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

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    • Sep 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bald Head Island Marina (mouth of Cape Fear River)

      Here’s a quick, but informative comments concerning Bald Head Island Marina. This facility’s entrance is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, a short hop downstream of Southport, NC

      We always stop here if going by. The marina is easy to enter, excellent staff and Bald Head Island is beautiful.
      James Lea

      We stayed at the Bald Head Island Marina last December. We hadn’t planned to, but we were chased in by 12ft-18ft seas (bigger as we entered the Cape Fear River due to an opposing ebb) and 35kt+ winds after rounding Cape Fear. After entering the river at dark and just puttering around until daylight, we kissed the ground quickly at the marina. The pros: Nice docks, decent showers/facilities, nice employees, two restaurants attached to the marina, protected basin, beautiful beaches and scenery within walking distance. The cons: Expensive, grocery and all other stores require expensive golf cart rental, everything is pretty expensive since it’s an `exclusive’ island, wireless was NOT free. One other note – before we entered the entrance channel (somewhat narrow, and when there is a flood tide you’ll get SEVERAL knots of current through the channel) we called the marina to check depths (we draw 6′). They told us we would be fine. We got there, made our turn towards our slip and immediately grounded in soft mud with 5′ showing on the sounder. We pushed through the mud and were able to almost make it to a T-head, where we waited for high tide to tie up to it. Apparently, spring tides have a major effect on depth at the marina. The island IS beautiful and it was nice to visit there. By the way, they just built (are building?) the Deep Point Marina just up the river and were very excited about it. It’s supposed to be a lot less expensive with nicer facilities, and one of the former mayors of Southport will be the dockmaster (and he’s a VERY nice guy and proud of his town).
      Chris
      S/V Pelican

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

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    • Sep 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Wrightsville Bridge Clearance Less Than Listed (Statute Mile 283)

      As Captain Dave notes below, it’s a very good idea to call the bridge tender prior to your arrival at her/his span, to check on the latest vertical clearance stats.

      Subject: Bridge clearances
      Cruising News: The Socastee and Wrightsville Bridges both have 20 foot clearances listed. When we passed Socastee they had 22 feet which allowed us to pass without an opening – and Wrightsville Bridge a short time later had 17 feet which did require an opening as we need 20\’. We learned that a call ahead to ask what the real clearance is proved useful.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

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    • Sep 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Camp Lejeune Firing Range (along the AICW south of Swansboro, NC, near Statute Mile 235 to 239)

      The Camp Lejeune section of the Waterway, south of Swansboro, is always subject to closing when the US Marine Corps is conducting live fire exercises. Notices of such events can usually be found posted at marinas to the north and south, and on the local Notice to Mariners. Give Captain Paul at Swan Point Marina (St. M. 247, (910) 327-1081) for the latest info!

      Subject: Firing Range
      Cruising News: At SM 235.4 Southbound (239.7 Northbound) starts the Camp Lejeune firing range area. You are not to proceed if the lights are flashing. They were and we didn\’t. I figured since it was Labor Day and it was raining like all get out that they would not be firing so we proceeded to the lights without checking first. It took about 20 minutes by phone 910 451 3064 [correct, updated 12/ 15/2014] get the information that they had forgotten to turn the lights off when they left the range. So, proceeded without further adeu. Calling ahead would have been wiser and would have saved us the 20 minute delay which caused us to miss the next bridge opening.
      Dave
      on GB 46 At Last

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Deb Walters -  December 13, 2014 - 5:24 pm

        Kayaking from Maine to Guatemala. Tomorrow I will pass by Camp Lejeune on the ICW. Called the number listed in the above post. It was wrong, but they gave me the current correct number to call: 910 451 3064. Safe Passage for me for tomorrow!

        Reply to Deb
    • Sep 9, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Shores at Spooners Creek Yacht Harbor (Statute Mile 210.5)

      Spoooners Creek is this writer’s old home port, so I can not help but feel nostalgic about this facility. A lot of changes have taken place here since Bruce Fetzer used to greet all arriving craft with his “Welcome Back to Spooners Creek.”
      MANY of the new changes are very good things, however, and I join with Captain Rick in recommending this facility to the cruising community. And, let’s not forget, Spooners Creek is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Sept 2009 – Sea Breeze visited Spooners Creek Marina on the 8th. It is a condo development that rents some slips on a monthly basis and also a nightly basis to transients. They have gas and diesel. It’s entrance is just north of ICW Green # 9 ( not 12 as reported elsewhere). We found controlling depth in the entrance channel to be 6′ MLW. Deeper water in the basin (8′ +). At the entrance channel – #1 was a temporary green floating aid and red 4 was a piling with no sign board (#4 sign missing). When you enter the creek there is a sharp turn to port that is a blind turn due to a high concrete bulkhead to port. Well, it’s only blind to sailboats and others who have cockpits low to the water. If your helm station is 10′ or more off the water you can see over the bulkhead. Capt Keith is right’¦..this is a first class facility. Cleanest shower facilities we have seen on the ICW. Pool and boaters lounge. No laundry. Dockmaster Terry is very helpful and can be reached on his cell phone at 252-241-0770. He had no VHF when we visited. In additon to the Wal-Mart less than a mile away, there is a strip mall across the street from W-M that has the some mom & pop restaurants – italian, chinese, subs. Or Outback and others are a little further away but not too far. If you are craving pizza try Louigi’s in the stip mall near Sears and Hallmark.
      Rick Parish

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Spooners Creek Yacht Harbor

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    • Sep 6, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Wild Ride On Neuse River Near AICW/Bay River Intersection (near Statute Mile 168)

      There is a good reson that North Carolina’s Neuse River is known as the second roughest body of water on the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine to Key West! And, Captain Jenkin’s note below is a fine example of this maxim. If possible, do time your passage of the AICW/Neuse River stretch for a day of fair breezes. The filling in your teeth might actually stay in your head.

      Subject: Bay River – Neuse River Junction
      Cruising News: With NE winds bettween 20 & 30 knots we were probably not well advised to venture into the Neuse river with 3 to 4 ft seas following us southbound but we did anyhow. We can handle the following sea but what caught us by surprise was the water leaving Bay River out to the Neuse River Junction. A wild ride rocking back and forth at 25 to 30 degrees each side with beam seas. I would choose not to do this again and would wait for a calmer day.
      David Jenkins

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